IN THE NEWS:
Kelly Clarkson got an earful on Wednesday after wading into political waters with a tweet supporting Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul, though Michelle Branch and Blake Shelton lined up behind the American Idol champion as the debate wore on.
Jennifer Lopez has signed on for the 11th season of " American Idol," producer Nigel Lythgoe said.
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, who made his debut as an " American Idol" judge during the show's recently concluded 10th season, has signed on for season 11. Longtime judge Randy Jackson will be back as well.
It was the battle of the teenage country crooners, but 17-year-old Scotty McCreery bested fellow high schooler Lauren Alaina to win the 10th season of " American Idol" on Wednesday (5/25) at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.
For third-place " American Idol" finalist Haley Reinhart, being around the Top 2 contestants, teenagers Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery, harkened her youth.
Jacob Lusk, who was eliminated from " American Idol" competition last Thursday (5/5), is excited about his future, despite negative comments he received from mentor/Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine toward the end of his tenure on the show.
Pia Toscano, who was eliminated from " American Idol" last week, reportedly has inked a deal with Interscope Records, the label chaired by the Fox-TV show's mentor Jimmy Iovine.
As one of the more charismatic contestants on this season's " American Idol," Naima Adedapo was difficult to place. Adedapo peppered her performances with African dance as well as reggae renditions of songs like Elton John's "I'm Still Standing." In a Friday (4/1) teleconference with journalists, Adedapo said she's happy she was able to reveal her true artistry during the competition, from which she was eliminated on Thursday (3/31).
After 55 million votes were cast, Thia Megia and Naima Adedapo were cut from " American Idol" on Thursday (3/31). Although Megia admitted to journalists during a teleconference call that she cried a few tears, she's excited about the future.
" American Idol" judges used their one and only "save" Thursday (3/24) after TV viewers voted to eliminate critics' darling Casey Abrams from the show.
